As of February 2021, St. Elizabeth’s has resumed in-person worship. Beginning Sunday, May 23 2021, St. Elizabeth’s will no longer be requiring reservations for worship services. Our policy regarding masks follows CDC guidance from May 13, 2021. Please read the guidelines carefully. Any fully vaccinated people who choose to continue wearing a mask may do so without judgement. St. Elizabeth’s clergy, staff, and vestry are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our community and will continuing monitoring the latest CDC guidance on COVID-19.
CDC Guidelines update as of May 13, 2021 – from the CDC website:
“Update that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance in any setting, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”
Recommendations for Indoor and Outdoor Settings – CDC website, May 13, 2021
“Risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection is minimal for fully vaccinated people. The risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission from fully vaccinated people to unvaccinated people is also reduced. Therefore, fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. Fully vaccinated people should also continue to wear a well-fitted mask in correctional facilities and homeless shelters. Prevention measures are still recommended for unvaccinated people.”
In the spring of 2020, a COVID-19 task force was formed at St. Elizabeth’s. This group meets regularly to review and implement policies regarding COVID-19 and St. Elizabeth’s.
The task force has implemented the following procedures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at St. Elizabeth’s:
- We will continue to live stream our Sunday Services now and in the future to ensure we offer spiritual guidance to all.
- The Covid-19 task force regularly reviews information from the CDC and the Knox County Health Department to update our plans and modify disinfecting procedures as necessary.
- We have contracted with a local company that performed a deep surface cleaning and disinfecting of our entire interior space, followed by a surface treatment that inactivates viruses and bacteria. Surface testing is conducted to determine if contamination has occurred, with re-treatment as necessary. High touch surfaces are cleaned frequently and regular cleaning is performed weekly.
- Hand sanitizer is available throughout the building.
